Our bike ride begins in the village of Bonnieux, which takes center-stage in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. The Luberon mountains are sprinkled with some of the most majestic hilltop villages in the country, and this is a ride which includes a few: Roussillon, and its ochre-colored homes. Gordes, and its majestic golden-stone homes set dizzyingly above the Calavon valley. Ménerbes, and its elegant centuries-old buildings. And Lacoste, crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade.

We take the time to visit each of the villages, while taking back country roads between each, lined with orchards and vines.

Departure: 9AM at the bike shop in Bonnieux

Return: Around 5PM in Bonnieux

Rate : the published rate is for 4 participants with one guide Please contact us if you are less than 4 persons

The perched villages of the Luberon

Friday morning is the morning market days in Bonnieux sur Sorgue! Make sure to enjoy its great ambiance before you meet your guide and start your day !

Our bike ride begins in the village of Bonnieux, which takes center-stage in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. Literally translated as “good view”, the panorama from the 12th century church that crowns the village is nothing short of extraordinary.

Your guide will lead you across the Calavon valley to reach the hilltop village of Roussillon, set perilously above majestic ochre cliffs from its abandoned quarry. Don't miss the ochre quarry visit ! All of the village homes are painted with the colorful pigments obtained from the sands.

Next is Gordes, its homes winding in concentric circles up to the 16th century renaissance castle that marks the top of the village. We enjoy a visit and a leisurely lunch in Gordes (or farther along the route depending on our pace). Olive oil tasting in a small olive oil family-run estate on the way.

Crossing back over to the northern slope of the Luberon we visit Ménerbes and Lacoste, two more (of a never-ending list) of beautiful hilltop villages in the Luberon. Wine tasting on the way in a family-run wine estate. Option: wine & truffle tasting in Ménerbes. Lacoste is crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade, who spent three of his infamous years here. We return to Bonnieux to complete our loop.

THE RIDEThe total ride is 45km, and is geared towards fit riders who are able to tackle multiple sutained climbs (there's very little flat in this itinerary). Though none of the climbs are terribly steep, all of the hilltop villages along the way require a 1 to 3km climb (they don't call them hilltop village for nothing!)To make the climbing more accessible to novice riders, we strongly recommend E-bikes (with a small supplement)

YOU WILL NEED :

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING ..

Comfortable gym clothes are sufficient or you can choose to wear bicycle-specific clothing (bib-shorts and a cycling jersey)

Wind/Rain jacket in case of wind, bad weather that can be stored in your backpack (recommended)